On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 3, 2013 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections

stThomas

Do we doubt only because we seek the truth in what might seem unfathomable? Do we doubt out of jealousy and refuse to open our minds and hearts because we were not present to encounter or share in what others did or had? Do we truly have faith in God? In all things? Can we lose that faith?

For those of us who deeply desire to know and encounter our Lord Jesus, all we really need do is with open hearts cry out to Him, ““I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) And Jesus our Lord, will surely come into our hearts wherever we are, in whatever situation we are in; bringing His Peace and Love.

For those of us who have lost our faith to sin, we need only cry out to our Lord Jesus with a truly contrite and repentant heart “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13) Turning away from sin and being faithful to the Gospels our faith is not only restored but ever growing in love.

How blessed indeed we are who have not seen and yet truly believe! All praise and Glory to you O Lord Jesus Christ!

Let us cherish the gifts of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion that our Lord gave us through the Church He established. That we may always remain in Him as He remains in us. Amen  

3 July 2013 Saint Thomas, Apostle – Feast

GOSPEL John 20:24–29

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Comments
  1. 7:36-50 None can truly perceive how precious Christ is, and the glory of the gospel, except the broken-hearted. But while they feel they cannot enough express self-abhorrence on account of sin, and admiration of his mercy, the self-sufficient will be disgusted, because the gospel encourages such repenting sinners. The Pharisee, instead of rejoicing in the tokens of the woman’s repentance, confined his thoughts to her former bad character. But without free forgiveness none of us can escape the wrath to come; this our gracious Saviour has purchased with his blood, that he may freely bestow it on every one that believes in him. Christ, by a parable, forced Simon to acknowledge that the greater sinner this woman had been, the greater love she ought to show to Him when her sins were pardoned. Learn here, that sin is a debt; and all are sinners, are debtors to Almighty God. Some sinners are greater debtors; but whether our debt be more or less, it is more than we are able to pay. God is ready to forgive; and his Son having purchased pardon for those who believe in him, his gospel promises it to them, and his Spirit seals it to repenting sinners, and gives them the comfort. Let us keep far from the proud spirit of the Pharisee, simply depending upon and rejoicing in Christ alone, and so be prepared to obey him more zealously, and more strongly to recommend him unto all around us. The more we express our sorrow for sin, and our love to Christ, the clearer evidence we have of the forgiveness of our sins. What a wonderful change does grace make upon a sinner’s heart and life, as well as upon his state before God, by the full remission of all his sins through faith in the Lord Jesus!

  2. cavan paul mulvihill's avatar cavan paul mulvihill says:

    + Bless us with words which are reliable O Lord God our Father we pray, which come from You alone for we know we always can trust You.

  3. cavan paul mulvihill's avatar cavan paul mulvihill says:

    + We thank you Lord God for this grace in which we stand, grace to keep Thy Ten Commandments. O Holy Trinity one God have mercy on us and on all the Churches and on the whole wide world.

  4. cavan paul mulvihill's avatar cavan paul mulvihill says:

    + Truth which comes from God is free and is the most reliable source and we are all in His presence now.

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